The Outer Banks SPCA has recently identified an illness impacting kittens across Dare County. Since mid-June, kittens showing symptoms such as lethargy, unsteadiness in their movement and general signs of weakness have been observed. While the actual illness has yet to be determined, extensive veterinary consultation and state laboratory testing indicates the illness to be viral in nature.
Below are some important points to follow any time you choose to bring a new pet into your home from any source:
It is extremely important to vaccinate cats and kittens of all ages If you have recently brought a kitten into your home, please start its vaccine series immediately
Keeping new additions to the family separate from established pets and slowly introducing them is a good way to make sure everyone stays healthy and bonds well.
If you have a cat under six months that begins acting lethargic, unsteady, or any other symptoms of weakness, please take it to your veterinarian immediately.
Please schedule a visit with your veterinarian if your pet is not current on its vaccines. If you cannot afford a visit to your veterinarian, please contact animal welfare groups like Feline Hope, Friends of Felines HI, Coastal Humane Society, and the Outer Banks SPCA for low cost vaccination clinics or options for financial assistance.
In order to ensure that we are only placing healthy kittens up for adoption, the SPCA will be limiting kitten adoptions over the next several weeks. Adult, vaccinated cats will still be available for adoption.
